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East Texas Legends: Dennis Alexander

340 wins. Two state titles. Head coach of one of the greatest teams of all time. Dennis Alexander will forever be a legend for Daingerfield High School and Texas football.
(Source: Tyler Morning Telegraph)

KYTX — Though his career ended in controversy, few coaches in football history can match the resume of Dennis Alexander.

The numbers themselves are staggering. Alexander amassed nearly 350 victories between 1972 and 2018. He won two state championships and appeared in numerous playoff games.

Alexander began his coaching career with Hughes Springs in 1972.

Two years later, he moved to Daingerfield where Alexander saw his greatest success. He spent 13 seasons with the Tigers, winning 129 games. Between 1983 and 1985, Alexander led Daingerfield to three consecutive state title appearances, winning the championship in 1983 and 1985.

Alexander's 1985 championship team is legendary in its own right.

The Tigers' allowed eight points all season, including a safety, and shut out 14 opponents. Meanwhile, the defense accounted for more than 70 points. Daingerfield won the title 42-0 against Sweeny. Five players on that team would go on to have NFL careers.

After leaving Daingerfield in 1988, Alexander would coach 13 seasons at Henderson and 10 at Harleton.

Alexander's final job was at Troup. During the 2015 season, Alexander allegedly slapped a player during game. The school promptly suspended him and later relieved as head coach.

Alexander finished his career with 340 wins, the fifth highest in Texas history at the time of his retirement.

He was a nominee for the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

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